Service tax

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Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

05 June 2013 Do a manufacturing company need to pay service tax for calibration(labour charges only)?

CMA Ramesh Krishnan

CMA Ramesh Krishnan (Expert)
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09 September 2013 Is there any service provided separately and any bills are raised separately?

Aashok Kumar Sharma

Aashok Kumar Sharma

(Expert)
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24 July 2025 ✅ Query:
Does a manufacturing company need to pay service tax for calibration services (labour charges only)?

✅ Answer: YES — Calibration Services are taxable under Service Tax, provided certain conditions are met.
🔍 Let’s break this down:
🔹 1. Nature of Calibration Service:
Calibration refers to testing/measuring instruments to ensure they meet standards.

This falls under Technical Testing and Analysis Services, as per Section 65(105)(zzh) of the Finance Act, 1994 (prior to GST).

🔹 2. Taxability:
If the calibration is not in relation to exempted goods or not part of manufacturing, service tax is applicable.

Labour charges, if billed separately for calibration, are still considered taxable because service tax is on the activity, not on cost structure.

🔹 3. Exemption Scenarios (Not Applicable):
If calibration is done in-house — no service tax.

If services are covered under a job work related to manufacture of excisable goods and fall under mega exemption Notification 25/2012-ST, there may be exemption, but calibration usually does not qualify unless it's integrally part of manufacturing.

🔹 4. Reverse Charge Not Applicable:
Calibration services are not under reverse charge, so the service provider charges service tax, not the manufacturing company.

✅ What to Check:
✔ Whether you received a separate invoice for calibration service?

✔ Is the service provider registered under Service Tax?

✔ Is the service part of a manufacturing process or an independent activity?

If it's a separate calibration job (like ISO-certified labs), yes, service tax is applicable, and the provider must charge and pay it.

🧾 Reference:
Section 65(105)(zzh), Finance Act, 1994

CBEC Education Guide (2012)

Notification No. 25/2012-ST (Mega Exemption)

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